I'm here today to share some thoughts and say goodbye to my loving mother.

I think a mother holds a special place for anyone because it's the person who literally created us and brought us forth into this world. When i was born 37 years ago into this loving family of four, initially I didn't know what a mother was. I don't remember the first few years, but from pictures and seeing how my nephews and niece are being brought up, that I was a happy and loved baby.

As I grew up, my mother made a great team with my father, always guiding me to do my best and do what is right. They always gave me whatever I needed, and did what they felt was best for me. I'm so grateful, they made sure I had every opportunity to explore my curiosities - from music, to arts, to sports, to culture, science, and everything in between. The whole way, my mother helped me to feel nurtured and supported. She was a constant presence in my life, always there and going the extra mile to show her love in her own ways.

One big way my mother expressed her love was through her cooking. She made so many meals, always finding the time and energy to put together a delicious and healthy variety of foods even after coming back from a full day of work. Most of the time she insisted to also make a soup dish to round out the meal. It was never really required, but she felt it would help balance out the experience. Or, for many years she would cook me a nice breakfast sandwich to make sure I went off to school with a good start.

These are just examples of ways where she never hesitated to go above and beyond for her loved ones. It was just natural - she never questioned it, never asked for reciprocation or even a thanks. She was that kind of person.

After school, I would often go hang out in her office where she worked as an IT administrator. I learned a lot from her in these early days, and credit a lot of my interest in computers and technology to my mom. I have good memories playing some really old computer games on the PCs in her office. When I asked her to help me get a new game and install it, she always helped me do that. I think her trust in my judgement helped me grow my confidence and self regulation over the years. She would nurture and suggest, but rarely force any opinion on me. It was a gentle guidance that looking back I really appreciate. She helped inspire me to do my best and dream big.

My mother had an openness and enthusiasm for life that was infectious to anyone around her. New restaurant - let's try it! Fun place to visit - let's go! New movie that's supposed to be good - let's watch it! My mother saw the world as a place that is inviting and fun - and life as something to be enjoyed. I really admire that she always kept this openness and zeal for experiencing new things. She was so social and always had a good group of friends - many of you here. I really admired and learned a lot from my mom in this area.

She was always up for one more hand of blackjack at the casino, one more round of mah-jong. Or as evidenced by her daily ritual of initially falling asleep on the couch - one more episode of whatever series she was enjoying at the time.

So, it should be no surprise that my mother and I had lots of fun together as well. Some of my fondest memories together were in middle school, whenever it snowed heavily I'd eagerly await the radio to announce that Ridgefield was off for a snow day. My mom would take a half day off work and we'd go skiing together, just the two of us. I remember there was one year we went skiing over a dozen times.

Another passion that I inherited from my mom was our passion for...free stuff! Much to the chagrin of my wife Jane. My mom would go to many IT conferences, and always came back with a bag of assorted pens, squeeze balls, T-shirts, portable battery packs, and USB cables. We had fun looking through these assorted items together.

In my last visit home just a month ago, my mom was just learning to play the guitar and in a few minutes we learned and played that song together. It was the first time we ever played guitar together.

Over the years, of course our relationship evolved as I grew from a helpless baby, into a small child, and eventually a young man. Over time we changed primarily from her teaching me about computers, to me helping her with computers. You took care of me and helped raise me, but sadly passed before I really got to take care of you.

I think what makes my mom's passing especially hard, is that it was just so sudden and unexpected. I think many people in this room is probably feeling something similar - that we thought we'd have more time together. She had finally just fully retired and was looking forward to some fun travel. I'm so grateful you could see me get married a few months ago and begin my own family with Jane. I wish our future children could meet and know their wonderful grandmother.

In times like these when we lose someone close to us, we're reminded that life is transient and fragile. The brevity of our time here reminds us to savor each moment together. And sudden unexpected passings remind us to never take "next time" for granted, because we don't know when that next time may never come.

I know that Dah-Miin lived a rich life, full of love and laughter and curiosity and fun. I wish we had more time with you, Mom. I'll always be grateful for you and remember you. I miss you, and I love you.